Mayor to increase diversity in London cabbies

The Mayor of London has launched a series of roadshows to encourage people from ethnic communities to consider becoming licensed taxi drivers.

Only one in 20 existing taxi drivers is from black, Asian and ethnic minorities, compared to nearly a third of London’s population. Only 1% of current drivers are Asian and 2.4% are black.

Mayor Ken Livingstone said: “More people from black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds are applying to become cab drivers, but at the current rate it will be 30 years before the trade is representative of London’s communities.

“Taxi drivers are great ambassadors for London and I want the trade to reflect the diversity of the capital. This campaign is designed to encourage people from non-traditional backgrounds to consider becoming a cab driver by informing people about the benefits of the trade and how to become qualified.”

The roadshows are supported by a poster and leaflet campaign titled ‘Put yourself in the driving seat’ that have been distributed in Jobcentres, libraries, hospitals and doctors surgeries around the capital. They will also be appearing in the local press in the next few weeks.

The first roadshow will take place at the London Muslim Centre part of the East London Mosque, with more to follow in the coming months.